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NWDC Targets $40m Gemstone Rush, Backs Kano College Conversion to Skills Hub

The North-West Development Commission (NWDC) has pledged support for a Kano State-owned College of Education seeking conversion to a technical institution, with a focus on skills development in mining, gemmology, and emerging technologies.

During a courtesy visit to the Commission’s headquarters, Provost Dr. Muntaka Dahiru revealed that the College has introduced new certificate courses in forensic science, cybersecurity, and gemmology, citing the untapped mineral wealth in Doguwa, Kano State.

“Youths in the community realized about ₦40 million from gemstones scouted in the area last year, underscoring the economic potential of the sector,” he said.

He explained that Kano currently lacks a state-owned College of Education (Technical), with the only such institution being the Federal College of Education (Technical), Bichi, located in Kano North. The conversion, he argued, would fill a critical gap in Kano Central and South.

Responding, NWDC Managing Director/CEO Professor Shehu Abdullahi Ma’aji commended the College’s innovative approach, linking its gemmology programme to the Commission’s North-West Mineral Value Chain Initiative.

“We are not just building roads and schools; we are building the human capital to drive the economy of the North-West. Your initiative on gemmology is timely. Our region is blessed, but we must train our people to benefit from what Allah has given us,” he said.

Prof. Ma’aji directed the Commission’s Human Capital Development and Solid Minerals Directorates to conduct a joint needs assessment visit to the College, with a view to designating it as a pilot Gemmology and Dimension Stone Skills Centre for Kano South.

The NWDC reiterated its commitment to supporting state-owned tertiary institutions that have not benefited from federal interventions such as TETFund, ensuring they meet national regulatory standards while aligning with regional economic priorities.